If you’ve ever wondered how to climb higher in local search results, boost trust with potential customers, or simply get more people through the door—there’s one place to start: Google reviews. This guide covers everything multi-location brands need to know about how to get more Google reviews—plus how to manage and leverage them to the max.
Why Google Reviews are Key for Local Visibility
Google reviews impact more than just perception as they influence rankings, conversions, and consumer trust. Here’s why they’re worth your focus:
- They boost visibility. Review signals now account for over 15% of the factors that determine your local pack ranking. That includes review volume, recency, keywords, and sentiment.
- They drive action. 92% of people choose a local business if it has at least a 4-star rating.
- They build trust. 91% of consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations.
- They convert. 76% of people who conduct a local search on their smartphone visit a business within a day.
The Right Way to Ask for Google Reviews
Here’s how to ask for Google Reviews the right way—without being awkward, spammy, or violating Google’s policies.
1. Ask at the Right Moment
Timing is everything. Ask shortly after the customer has a positive experience:
- After an appointment or service
- Following a thank-you or compliment
- Post-purchase emails or SMS
2. Make It Effortless
Use direct Google review links, QR codes, or even NFC-enabled stands or business cards. These remove friction and make it ultra-simple for customers to act immediately.
3. Personalize the Request
Customize by:
- Including the customer’s name
- Mentioning what they purchased or who helped them
- Thanking repeat customers with an acknowledgment of their loyalty
4. Ask Smart Questions
Prompt them with something like:
“What did you enjoy most about your visit?” “How would you describe your experience with our team?” This leads to more valuable, keyword-rich reviews.
5. Encourage Honest Feedback
Avoid incentivizing reviews. Instead, focus on inviting authentic opinions—and be ready to respond to both praise and criticism.
Real-World Example: How Smile Dental Turned High NPS Scores into Google Reviews
Smile Dental, one of Scandinavia’s largest dental chains, used PinMeTo’s Reviews tool in combination with their NPS (Net Promoter Score) system to boost their online reputation. By identifying satisfied patients through NPS surveys, they strategically asked for Google reviews, turning internal feedback into public praise.
This led to a higher volume of positive reviews, improved local search visibility, and increased patient trust. It’s a smart example of how operational insights can directly fuel local SEO results. Read the full Smile Dental Case Study
Extra Tips on How to Get More Reviews
Here are specific tactics your teams can implement today:
- Add QR codes or NFC displays at checkout, front desks, or restaurant tables.
- Include review links in order confirmation emails or appointment reminders.
- Ask in person after positive interactions.
- Use post-visit surveys or NPS scores to prompt review requests.
- Share review links on social media DMs or after a support ticket closes.
And don’t forget to follow up. A gentle reminder a few days after the initial request can double your response rate.
PinMeTo Reviews – Built for Multi-Location Brands
Getting reviews is just the start. Managing online reviews at scale and using the insights is where brands win. Why PinMeTo Reviews stands out:
- Centralized Inbox: See and reply to reviews from Google, Facebook, and Trustpilot platforms in one dashboard.
- AI-Powered Suggestions: Get auto-generated response suggestions based on sentiment and review content—so your team saves time while maintaining consistency.
- Location-Level Insights: Track response rates, rating trends, and customer sentiment across every individual store or franchise location.
- Keyword Insights: See what customers are actually saying—and use those words to update your listings, product descriptions, or SEO strategy.
- Smart Filtering & Reporting: Export insights, filter by location, and build reports to share performance with franchisees or leadership.
To Sum Up
Knowing how to ask for Google Reviews and getting more positive ones is a visibility strategy, a trust-builder, and a reputation engine. By asking at the right moment, making it easy, and managing reviews smartly with tools like PinMeTo, brands can rank higher in local searches, build stronger customer relationships, and drive more clicks, calls, and visits.
Lily Adamyan, April 10
